Iranian journalists face new legal case

Iran's judiciary has opened a new case against Elaheh Mohammadi and Niloofar Hamedi for appearing without a hijab upon their temporary release from prison on January 14.

News Center- Elaheh Mohammadi and Niloofar Hamedi, two Iranian journalists who were among the first to cover the death and the funeral of the 22-year old Jina Mahsa Amini on September 16, 2022, were released on January 14 temporarily after paying bail.

Iranian judiciary's Mizan news agency reported on Monday that Iran’s judiciary opened a new case against the journalists for appearing without hijab upon their release from prison.

“After footage of the defendants without hijab was released online, a new case has been filed against them,” said Mizan.

On October 22, 2023, Niloofar Hamedi, a reporter for Shargh Daily, and Elaheh Mohammadi, reporter for Hammihan newspaper, were sentenced to seven years and six years in prison respectively by the Revolutionary Court. The court also added a further five years in prison to each of their sentences for “acting against the national security” and a year for propaganda. They were released from prison on January 14, 2024 after paying bail.